Tumble dryer not heating: causes and what to check
If your dryer turns but the clothes come out damp or cold, the cause is either the airflow or the heating system. The airflow checks are free, and they matter for safety too, because lint is flammable.
The usual causes
- A clogged lint filter or condenser
- A full water tank on a condenser dryer
- A restricted or crushed vent hose on a vented dryer
- A failed heating element or thermostat
- A faulty thermal fuse
- A control board fault, which is less common
What to check safely
Unplug the dryer. Clean the lint filter and rinse it, empty the water tank and clean the condenser as your manual describes. On a vented model, check the hose behind the machine. Try a smaller load. If it now heats and dries normally, airflow was the problem.
When to call an engineer
- It still doesn't heat after you've cleaned the filter and condenser
- The drum won't turn, or squeals
- You smell burning, in which case stop using it
- It trips the electrics
Give us the make and model when you book so the engineer can bring the right heating part.